New Delhi: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just an emerging technology; it has become a crucial factor for the growth of the IT services sector, according to a recent report by Centrum Institutional Research. The report highlighted that IT companies integrating AI into their operations and services are more likely to achieve higher productivity, faster growth, and access to larger transformation deals as businesses increase their AI investments. It said “The consensus among IT industry leaders is clear – AI is not optional, it’s an imperative”.The report mentioned that the Indian IT sector has always adapted swiftly to new technological trends, such as cloud computing and digital transformation. Now, the industry is showing similar agility in adopting AI. With a vast talent pool, Indian IT firms are rapidly upskilling their workforce to stay ahead in the AI-driven market. Companies that establish a strong AI strategy, demonstrate early success through case studies and productivity improvements, and foster a culture of innovation are expected to emerge as long-term winners. AI is proving to be a game-changer for IT firms in two key ways. First, it helps improve internal operations, making business processes more efficient. Second, it serves as a major revenue stream, allowing IT companies to offer AI-driven solutions to their clients.  The adoption of AI can lead to non-linear growth for IT service providers, meaning that more work can be handled without a proportional increase in manpower. It stated “AI can drive non-linear growth for IT services companies as more volume of work can be carried out without a commensurate increase in manpower”.On the other hand, companies that fail to embrace AI could struggle to remain competitive.  Traditional outsourcing services, which rely heavily on manual labour, may become less attractive as automated solutions offer cost-effective alternatives.Industry experts agree that AI is not just an option but a necessity for IT firms. As global businesses accelerate their AI investments, IT companies that successfully integrate AI into their offerings are likely to lead the next wave of growth in the sector. The report also outlined that investors should look for companies that have put in place a clear AI strategy, early results (case studies or productivity metrics) and a culture of innovation as those will likely emerge as long-term winners. 

Xiaomi 15 Ultra And Xiaomi 15 India Launch: Chinese smartphone brand Xiaomi has introduced its latest flagship devices, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Xiaomi 15, at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025. The new Xiaomi 15 series features a Leica-tuned camera and runs on HyperOS 2, built on Android 15. Notably, they are the direct follow-ups to last year’s Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Ultra, which were highly praised for their Leica-powered optics.  Adding further, the Xiaomi 15 series also features AI tools for writing, speech recognition, image enhancement and video shooting. The company has partnered with Google to integrate Gemini directly with Xiaomi apps with access to Xiaomi Notes, Calendar, and Clock.  Xiaomi 15 will be available in three colour options: black, green, and white, while the Xiaomi 15 Ultra could launch only in a silver chrome colourway. Both the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Xiaomi 15 are powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. Running on Android 15 with Xiaomi’s HyperOS 2.0, the smartphones also come with ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanners and IP68-rated dust and water resistance.    #Xiaomi15 is set to revolutionize mobile innovation with its leading camera, ultra-thin display, top performance, and connectivity.#XiaomiLaunch pic.twitter.com/0Rb43ecChm — Xiaomi (@Xiaomi) March 2, 2025 Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Xiaomi 15 India Launch Date And Availability Xiaomi has announced that the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Ultra will launch in India on March 11. The smartphones will be available for purchase through Amazon India, Xiaomi’s official website, and other retail outlets. Xiaomi 15 Ultra Specifications (Expected) The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is expected to feature a 6.73-inch QHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 3,200 nits. It could come with 16GB of RAM, ensuring smooth and powerful performance. For photography enthusiasts, the device is set to offer a quad-camera setup, including a 200MP Leica telephoto lens, a 50MP primary Leica camera, a 50MP ultra-wide Leica camera, and a 32MP front-facing selfie shooter, promising top-tier imaging capabilities. Xiaomi 15 Specifications (Expected) The Xiaomi 15 comes with a more compact 6.36-inch FHD+ AMOLED display, supporting a 120Hz refresh rate and 3,200 nits of peak brightness. The smartphone is expected to launch in India with 12GB of RAM. On the camera front, it is equipped with a triple-camera setup, featuring a 50MP primary camera, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, a 50MP telephoto lens, and a 32MP selfie camera.

Happy International Women’s Day 2025: March 8 is a day to celebrate the incredible women who inspire, uplift, and drive change. This Day is more than just a celebration—it’s a moment to recognize and appreciate the achievements of women across all fields. This year’s theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”, highlights the importance of fairness and inclusion for everyone.    Take a moment today to honour the women in your life. Share your appreciation with heartfelt messages, fun WhatsApp stickers, or expressive GIFs. Not sure how? We’ve got you covered! Here’s a simple guide to help you download and send them effortlessly on Meta-owned platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram. How To Download And Send Women’s Day Stickers On WhatsApp  Step 1: Open WhatsApp and select a chat. Step 2: Tap the emoji icon and go to the sticker section. Step 3: Click on “Get More Stickers” to explore new options. Step 4: Search for “Women’s Day Stickers” in the app store and download your favorite pack. Step 5: Start sharing! Select a sticker and send it to your loved ones to celebrate Women’s Day.  How To Send Women’s Day GIFs On WhatsApp Step 1: Open WhatsApp and go to a chat. Step 2: Tap the emoji icon and select the GIF option. Step 3: Type “Women’s Day” or “Happy Women’s Day” in the search bar. Step 4: Browse and select a GIF from the available options. Step 5: Tap to send and share the Women’s Day joy instantly!  How To Send Women’s Day Wishes On WhatsApp   Step 1: Look for Women’s Day quotes and images on Google. Step 2: Download your favourite images directly from search results. Step 3: Find Women’s Day-themed images on third-party apps from the Play Store or App Store.  Step 4: Open a chat and send the downloaded image with a heartfelt message.  How To Create And Share Women’s Day Stories On Instagram And Facebook Step 1: Open Instagram and tap “Your Story.” Step 2: Capture or select a Women’s Day-themed image or video. Step 3: Enhance it with GIFs, stickers, and effects. Use the search bar to find Women’s Day elements. Step 4: Add a caption or greeting and customize the font and colour. Step 5: Tap “Share to Story.” If linked, it will also appear on Facebook. Otherwise, upload it manually to Facebook Stories. 

WhatsApp’s AI-Powered Profile Picture Generator: Since the launch of Meta AI on WhatsApp, the app has been steadily enhancing its in-app features. The Meta-owned platform is likely to launch a new AI-powered profile picture generator for group chats. According to WABetaInfo, this feature is currently being tested with a select group of beta users, allowing them to create personalized and unique group icons using Meta AI.  It is important to note that the users with access to Meta AI can now create unique and customized group icons, adding a visually distinctive touch to their chats. The much anticipated AI-powered feature is especially helpful for those who don’t have a suitable image for their group, enabling them to generate a relevant icon effortlessly.  Some WhatsApp beta testers on Android already have access to AI-generated group icons. Interestingly, the feature has also started appearing on the stable version for some Android users who aren’t part of the beta program. However, there’s no official confirmation on when it will be available for iPhone users, though a wider rollout is expected soon. WhatsApp’s AI-Powered Profile Picture Generator: What’s New  WhatsApp’s new AI-powered tool lets users create custom group icons by describing their desired image through a text prompt. While personal profile pictures remain unchanged, this feature allows groups to generate unique, theme-based visuals reflecting their interests or vibe.  AI can craft images based on user descriptions, and there may also be preset themes like futuristic tech, fantasy, or nature-inspired designs, making customization seamless and engaging.  WhatsApp: Voice Message Transcripts  Moreover, the Meta-owned platform WhatsApp has introduced voice message transcripts in India, allowing users to convert voice notes into text. This feature makes it easier to understand audio messages without needing to listen, offering added convenience in various situations. 

Apple AI Upgrades In Siri: Apple has postponed the rollout of certain highly anticipated AI upgrades to Siri, its voice assistant, pushing the release to 2026 instead of the previously expected 2025 timeline. The new AI upgrade would supercharge Siri with the ability to take action inside other apps until next year.    Apple has been enhancing Siri’s personalization by improving its ability to understand user context and execute tasks across apps. However, the company has not disclosed a reason for the delay. Last year, Apple unveiled “Apple Intelligence,” a suite of AI-driven features that included email rewriting and inbox summarization.  In a statement, Apple acknowledged the delay, stating that it has “been working on a more personalized Siri, giving it more awareness of your personal context, as well as the ability to take action for you within and across your apps. It’s going to take us longer than we thought to deliver on these features and we anticipate rolling them out in the coming year.” AI-Powered Siri: What’s New  The anticipated capabilities include seamless app integration, enabling Siri to access and utilize on-device data for task completion. Siri is also expected to offer context-aware responses, such as retrieving recommended podcasts or extracting flight details from messages.  Adding further, Apple is focusing on enhanced privacy and security, ensuring that its AI infrastructure processes data securely on its chips.  Apple’s Siri Upgrade Vs Gemini AI model  Apple’s Siri upgrade comes at a time of growing competition in the AI space. Alphabet’s Google has integrated its Gemini AI model into its voice assistant, while Amazon has enhanced Alexa with new AI capabilities, offering premium features for $19.99 per month or free for Prime subscribers.  Apple’s Cloud Evolution  Apple is developing a large cloud computing infrastructure powered by its own chips to uphold its privacy standards while enhancing AI features. The company reports that Siri handles 1.5 billion user requests daily. 

New Delhi: Apple has introduced a much-requested feature in iOS 18.1—built-in call recording with transcription. iPhone users can now easily record and transcribe phone calls without relying on third-party apps. This long-awaited addition was previously available only on Android which makes it more convenient to save important conversations, interviews, or personal discussions for future reference. How to Use the Call Recording Feature in iOS 18.1 Update Your iPhone: Ensure your device is running iOS 18.1 or later. Check for updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Enable Call Recording: Open Settings > Apps > Phone. Toggle on the Call Recording option. Start Recording a Call: Make or answer a call as usual. A waveform icon (sound wave) will appear in the top left corner of the screen. Tap the waveform icon to start recording. An automated voice notification will inform both parties that the call is being recorded. Stop and Save the Recording: The recording will automatically save to the Notes app when the call ends. To stop recording manually, tap the red Stop Recording button or simply end the call. This feature makes it easier for users to record conversations while keeping things transparent. The automatic transcription adds even more convenience by creating a written record of discussions. Although Apple has built-in privacy protections, users should still follow legal and ethical guidelines when recording calls.

New Delhi: The Indian telecom industry is experiencing remarkable growth, both domestically and internationally, and there remains immense potential for expansion, according to the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI).  Lt Gen Dr SP Kochhar, Director General, COAI, said with approximately 1,187 million subscribers, urban tele-density has reached 131.01 per cent, while rural areas lag at 58.31 per cent. “Despite this disparity, there remains immense potential for expansion across both sectors. The roll-out of 5G is progressing rapidly, facilitated by artificial intelligence (AI), indigenous data sets, and the establishment of localised data centres,” according to Kochhar. The Indian government has implemented financial measures such as goods and services tax refunds and the removal of bank guarantees. Additionally, significant research is underway to develop cost-effective 5G handsets priced between Rs 6,000 and Rs 7,000. “Furthermore, satellite technology is being introduced to provide connectivity to remote regions where terrestrial networks are unfeasible,” Kochhar said in a statement. The Indian government has also prioritised domestic telecom manufacturing to reduce dependency on imports and position the country as a global hub. According to the COAI, policies such as the production-linked incentive scheme have attracted significant investments, fostering self-sufficiency and boosting export potential. India has emerged as a leader in data consumption, despite being one of the most cost-competitive telecom markets globally. The telecom sector has also adopted a two-pronged approach to mitigating cyber fraud and spam. AI-driven warning systems have been deployed to alert subscribers to potential scams, with significant success in blocking fraudulent calls. With a thriving domestic market and increasing global prominence, India’s telecom industry is poised for unprecedented growth, according to the COAI director general. Last month, state-owned telecom major Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) reported a profit of Rs 262 crore in the third quarter of the current financial year, marking its first return to profitability since 2007. This milestone reflects the company’s focus on innovation, aggressive network expansion, cost optimisation, and customer-centric service improvements. The government’s support through strategic revival initiatives, including spectrum allocation, and capital infusion have played a key role in bolstering its operations.

New Delhi: Gmail has become an essential part of our personal and professional lives. We use it to store our important documents, emails and other valuable data. Many users often forget to log out after use with the convenience of accessing it from any device. This small oversight can put your account at risk, making it vulnerable to unauthorized access and data theft. Here’s how you can check if your Gmail is logged in elsewhere and secure your account before it’s too late. If you often log into your Gmail account and forget which devices you’ve used. With these steps you can easily check where your account is logged in. How to Check Where Your Google Account is Logged In? Open Gmail – Click on your profile picture or Gmail ID in the top right corner. Go to Google Account Settings – Select “Manage your Google Account” from the dropdown. Access Security Settings – Navigate to the “Security” tab on the new page. Check Login Activity – View the list of devices where your account is logged in and sign out of any unfamiliar ones. Another Way to Check Where Your Google Account is Logged In: Login to Your Gmail – Scroll down to the bottom of the page. Check Last Account Activity – Click on “Last account activity.” View Login Details – A list of recent logins will appear. Click “Details” to see the times and locations. Log out from any unfamiliar sessions if needed.

WhatsApp Security: WhatsApp, a popular instant messaging platform used for private chats, calls, and important conversations with friends and family, continuously updates its features to enhance user experience and engagement. Have you ever noticed unusual activity on your WhatsApp—messages you don’t remember sending, online status changes at odd hours, or unrecognized devices linked to your account?  With WhatsApp being a primary mode of communication for millions, security breaches can be alarming. Unauthorized access can lead to privacy violations, data theft, and even financial fraud. If you suspect someone else is using your WhatsApp, it’s crucial to act fast.  However, WhatsApp’s parent company Meta ensures end-to-end encryption for messages and calls, hackers or unauthorised users can still access your account if they have your login details. To avoid this, there’s an easy way to remove unknown devices if your WhatsApp has been compromised.  Who’s Using Your WhatsApp?  WhatsApp has a built-in Linked Devices feature that lets you see where your account is logged in. If you spot a device you don’t recognise, you can remove it right away.  What Is Linked Devices Feature  WhatsApp’s Linked Devices feature lets you use your WhatsApp account on multiple devices, including your phone, computer, or tablet. You can link up to four devices at once to your primary phone.   How To Remove Unknown Devices From WhatsApp Step 1: Open WhatsApp on your smartphone. Step 2: Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner. Step 3: Select “Linked Devices” from the menu. Step 4: View the list of all devices where your WhatsApp account is active. Step 5: Check device details like Android, Windows, or browser sessions. Step 6: Remove unfamiliar devices by tapping on them and selecting “Log Out.” How To Secure Your WhatsApp Account  Step 1: Go to Settings > Account > Two-step verification and set up a PIN for extra security. Step 2: Ensure no unknown devices are logged in under Linked Devices and remove any suspicious ones.  Step 3: Avoid clicking on unknown links or sharing personal information with unverified contacts.  Step 4: Set up a strong password, fingerprint lock, or Face ID to prevent unauthorized access to WhatsApp.  Step 5: Always update to the latest version to protect against security vulnerabilities and new threats. 

AI Compute Portal: Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the AI Compute Portal in New Delhi. It is a digital platform providing researchers, startups, and government agencies access to high-performance GPUs and computing resources for AI tasks. At the launch, the Union Minister announced the establishment of 27 AI data labs and noted that the government is reviewing applications for developing foundational AI models. He highlighted India’s rapid progress in AI computing and semiconductor infrastructure to strengthen its digital economy.  Adding further, the Minister also unveiled AIKosha, a comprehensive dataset platform providing users with resources, tools, and expert guidance to transform ideas into industry-ready solutions.   Launched – AI Kosha A platform for India’s talented researchers, entrepreneurs and Startups providing them the right compute, datasets, tools and secure sandbox environment to build state-of-the-art AI applications and solutions. Explore it as https://t.co/BhrA2fQCjw pic.twitter.com/4x6C0mdVwJ — Ministry of Electronics & IT (@GoI_MeitY) March 6, 2025 IndiaAI Mission And GPU Marketplace With the approval of the IndiaAI Mission in 2024, the government allocated Rs 10,300 crore over five years to boost AI capabilities. A key initiative is a high-end computing facility with 18,693 GPUs, making it one of the largest AI infrastructures globally. This capacity is nearly nine times that of DeepSeek and about two-thirds of ChatGPT’s.   Launched – IndiaAI Compute Portal Unleash the potential of advanced GPU computing with #IndiaAI Compute Portal, a platform that makes high-end computing both accessible and affordable—empowering your research & innovation. Learn more at Explore it as https://t.co/Gi6rIY0tIx pic.twitter.com/7aNXUsuGEr — Ministry of Electronics & IT (@GoI_MeitY) March 6, 2025 The first phase has deployed 10,000 GPUs, with more to follow, enabling AI solutions tailored to Indian languages and contexts. India has also launched an open GPU marketplace, expanding access to high-performance computing for startups, researchers, and students. AI Infrastructure Unlike many countries where AI infrastructure is dominated by large corporations, this initiative empowers smaller players to innovate. The government has selected 10 companies to supply GPUs, ensuring a strong and diversified supply chain. To boost domestic capabilities, India plans to develop its own GPU within three to five years, reducing dependence on imports. A new common compute facility will soon launch, offering researchers and startups access to GPU power at a highly subsidized rate of Rs 100 per hour, far below the global cost of $2.5 to $3 per hour. Semiconductor Manufacturing In parallel, India is advancing semiconductor manufacturing, with five semiconductor plants under construction, as per the IT and Electronics ministry. These developments will not only support AI innovation but also reinforce India’s position in the global electronics sector. (Inputs From ANI)